Shipping Information
PLEASE NOTE: Diagnostic Cytogenetics is at a new location starting December 12, 2022.
Local Transport
DCI provides free courier service within the Puget Sound area. Pick up can be arranged by calling DCI at (206) 328-2026.
Out of Area Transport
DCI provides free shipping via FEDERAL EXPRESS. Call us for our current account number. When you send a specimen, please call our lab at (206) 328-2026 or (800) 328-2026 with the following information:
1. Institution you represent.
2. Patient name and specimen type.
3. Air bill or tracking number.
Saturday delivery MUST be checked when sending samples by FedEx on Friday.
Shipping Address :
Diagnostic Cytogenetics
2360 West Commodore Way
Suite 201
Seattle, WA 98199
Specimen Labeling
Label each specimen tube with the first and last name of the patient, and date of birth or other unique identifier, type of specimen, and the date of collection. When labeling, please use indelible ink or gummed labels.
If a specimen arrives unlabeled or mislabeled, the referring institution or office will be contacted. If the client chooses to take responsibility for the identification, a qualifying statement will appear in the logbook.
Specimen Packaging
DCI provides shipping supplies to our clients at no charge. Please visit our supplies page, or you can contact us at (800) 328-2026 to request the supplies you need.
Clinical Samples
Please place all specimens in leak proof primary containers. Specimen containers should be placed in a plastic bio-hazard bag with absorbent material. Place the bagged specimen in another bio-hazard bag. Fill out the appropriate request form and place in bio-hazard bag pocket. The specimen bag with request form should be placed in a sturdy shipping container and labeled with a Diagnostic Cytogenetics, Inc. mailing label.
If the specimen is being sent by local courier, the container should be placed in a labeled brown paper bag and our laboratory called to arrange pick-up.
If the specimen is being sent by overnight Federal Express, then the container should be placed in a Federal Express specimen pak and a completed airbill affixed. During the summer months, please rubber band a ice pack to the outside of the shipping container to prevent overheating during transit. Call FedEx at 800-GO-FEDEX (800-463-3339) to arrange pick-up. Please mark all outgoing FedEx samples sent on Friday with a Saturday delivery sticker, as DCI is open for deliveries on Saturday.
All cytogenetics specimens should be transported at room temperature.
Our laboratory should be called at (800) 328-2026 with tracking information.
Cell Line Samples
Before shipping, fill each flask to capacity with warmed media. Tighten the cap and seal it with parafilm. Put each flask in a plastic bio-hazard bag with absorbent material. Place the specimen bag with the flask in the provided DCI Styrofoam box. Include an aliquot of media sealed with parafilm along with the flasks in case it is necessary to feed the culture prior to harvesting for metaphase chromosomes. Fill out a DCI Cell Line Services request form and place it in the box.
If the specimen is being sent by local courier, the Styrofoam container should be taped shut and our laboratory called to arrange pick-up.
If the specimen is being sent by overnight Federal Express, then add ice packs warmed to 37°C to provide extra insulation during shipping. Tape the Styrofoam box so that it is securely shut and place in the DCI mailer cardboard box. Affix a completed DCI FedEx airbill to the cardboard box for overnight shipment. Please mark all outgoing FedEx samples sent on Friday with a Saturday delivery sticker, as DCI is open for deliveries on Saturday. Call FedEx to arrange pick-up at 800-GO-FEDEX (800-463-3339). Call DCI with the tracking number.